The Pathways program promotes awareness around sociocultural differences and provides affinity opportunities for students whose identity needs are not reflected in the dominant culture at St. Mark’s School. This program is the umbrella under which all student affinity groups are housed.
The Pathways Orientation program introduces all new students to the Community and Equity work that we proudly and intentionally do at the school. Guided by Pathways student leaders, new students are given the opportunity to learn basic vocabulary about DEIJB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice and Belong) and analyze the many different identities they have already developed or are still exploring. They are encouraged to take a deeper dive into the understanding of themselves while getting to know St. Mark’s and each other.
The Pathways Orientation program also provides space for affinity group conversations centered on sharing experience and building community. It is our goal to help each student bring their full self to a new community while simultaneously creating space for others to be their full selves. This includes opportunities for students to reflect upon personal experiences related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, ability, nationality, and more. Such reflections and conversations are key to living in an intentionally small and incredibly diverse community which requires us to practice curiosity, grace, empathy, and patience with each other.